Football is back!

 

The international break. It was good while it lasted, but we're all jumping for joy it's over. Why? Because it means the real action is back and we're now at the business end of the season.

In the Premier  League, Manchester United look to continue their march to the Premier League title against Sunderland, while Chelsea take on Southampton in the first of four games in a week for Rafa Benitez's men.

Across the continent, Bayern Munich can wrap up the Bundesliga title with seven games to go should results go their way, while Tito Vilanova returns to Barcelona, Real Madrid face Zaragoza and Inter take on Juventus in stellar clash in Serie A.

Football is back alright, and with a BANG! 
Tweet Follow @omomani

Wenger's walking wounded a right pain in the Arse

 

It was a case of same old, same old for Arsenal fans on Friday, with the club revealing that not only has Jack Wilshere suffered another injury setback, but Abou Diaby will be out of action for nine months with cruciate ligament damage.

Arsene Wenger is already without Theo Walcott, who sustained a pelvic injury while on international duty with England, meaning the Frenchman must prepare for the prospect of facing a crucial Premier League run-in without key first-team stars.

The Gunners continue to trail fourth-placed Tottenham by four points, and their side is starting to resemble the walking wounded instead of the slick set-up needed to earn Champions League qualification... 
Tweet Follow @omomani

Pedro flies the flag as Spain conquer France

 

Spain ensured they regained full control of both their World Cup 2014 destiny and top spot in Group I on Tuesday after they battled to a 1-0 victory over France.

Despite Paul Pogba's red card, a closely-contested match at Stade de France was decided by a sole Pedro finish on the shade of an hour to give Didier Deschamps and his troops a case of les Bleus in their quest to reach the finals in Brazil.

Prior to kick-off, Spanish newspaper Marca - in a bid to taunt their Gallic neighbours - printed a front page of the Eiffel Tower resembling the colours of la Roja, and it seems they have now got their wish following the world champions' latest conquer! 
Tweet Follow @omomani

Vidic: The next of the AC Milan Mohicans?

 

Nemanja Vidic could be the latest Premier League star to switch to Serie A, with Goal.com exclusively revealing that AC Milan are preparing a bid for the Manchester United centre-back in the summer.

The Serbian has endured an injury-ravaged past two seasons at Old Trafford, and the Red Devils are prepared to entertain bids in the region of £10m for the 31-year-old.

A switch to San Siro would see Vidic link up with former Manchester City foe Mario Balotelli, although the defender may not be as keen to mimmick the mohican style hair of the Italian and his strike partner Stephane El Shaarawy... 
Tweet Follow @omomani

Forlorn Anderson dreaming of Brazil return

 

The Manchester United midfielder wants to leave Old Trafford this summer to improve his chances of making the Brazil squad for next summer's World Cup.

The 24-year-old has struggled for form and fitness over the past few seasons, and is finally ready to pull the plug on his United career.

With the planet's best footballers set to congregate on Brazil, Anderson has big hopes that he can play a part in the Selecao's success. 
Tweet Follow @omomani

وداعا سيف صلاح الدين

 

توفي إلى رحمة الله تعالى، رئيس القسم الألماني بموقع جول.كوم النسخة العربية .. سيف صلاح الدين عن عمر يناهز الـ24 عاماً.
 

Tweet Follow @omomani

My Interview with Fedelana.ba

Here is my interview with the Bosnian website Fedelana.ba, and I want to thank Tarik Salihbegovic for the interview, here is the link:
http://www.federalna.ba/bhs/vijest/59207/intervju-poznati-jordanski-karikaturist-omar-momani
  Tweet Follow @omomani

Atletico & Simeone offer Torres a Chelsea escape

 

For one reason or another, it just hasn't worked for Fernando Torres at Chelsea.

But the Spaniard could still be salvaged after Atletico Madrid boss Diego Simeone hinted that the striker could make a return to Spain.

"Fernando Torres is currently playing for another team. We have to wait for the season to finish and decide which of the available players could come here and do a good job," Simeone told Onda Cero.

"Fernando knows about the club's history, what it means to play here and I don't need to speak about his ability.

"We were team-mates [from 2003 until 2005]. I know how important he can be." 
Tweet Follow @omomani

Ronaldo might need helping hand to reach Brazil 2014

 

If Cristiano Ronaldo is not worried, he probably should be. Portugal are labouring in qualification for another major tournament - this time, Brazil 2014.

Friday's 3-3 draw away with Israel has left Paulo Bento's men third in Group F, four points behind Fabio Capello's Russia, who also have a game in hand.

If they win, the gap will extend to seven, in all likelihood condemning Portugal to a life-and-death scrap with Israel for second place and passage into a nail-biting qualifying playoff.

There also remains the distinct possibility that Ronaldo, widely regarded as one of the greatest players of his or any generation, will not even make it to the World Cup next year.

Missing out could potentially deal a fatal blow to the Real Madrid superstar's hopes of adding a World Cup winner's medal to his heaving collection, and hand Lionel Messi a decisive advantage in their epic rivalry.

With this in mind, he needs all the help he can get. 
Tweet Follow @omomani

Neymar left in Balotelli’s shadow

 

It may have only been a friendly but Italy’s clash with Brazil saw a number of heavyweights go head-to-head as the two countries played out a 2-2 draw in Geneva.

The Brazilians roared into a two-goal lead with Fred opening the scoring before Neymar set up Oscar to double their lead with a neat finish past Gianluigi Buffon.

However, Italy came roaring back after the break with Daniel De Rossi halving the deficit before Mario Balotelli stole the show with a curling long-range strike to ensure honours ended even.

Tweet Follow @omomani

Szczesny senior fumes at Wenger over son's poor progress

 

Wojciech Szczesny has found himself out of the Arsenal reckoning in recent weeks, with Arsene Wenger citing his mental state as the key factor.

But the keeper's father, who himself represented Poland during his playing career, has laid the blame squarely at the Frenchman's door.

The younger Pole, according to Szczesny senior, was made to play through a series of injuries by his manager and is now suffering the consequences.

Whatever the reasons, Maciej is certain that it is the master, not the pupil, who is at fault. 

Tweet Follow @omomani

Pulis muscles in on Owen retirement

 

The circumstances which led Michael Owen to retire at Stoke City are a stark contrast to the blistering way the forward entered world football.

At 17 years of age, Owen burst onto the Premier League scene already armed with the ability to scare seasoned defenders with his searing pace and a sharp eye for goal. Just one year later, Owen was replicating his prowess on a global stage, and it's difficult to envisage another England youngster having an impact at a World Cup in the same way the Liverpool forward took France '98 by storm.

A persistent hamstring injury has blighted Owen's career since his time at Anfield, and at 33, with no Premier League starts this season, it's a low-key ending to a career that has been rich with high points - but Tony Pulis doesn't want Stoke to be airbrushed from his history. 
Tweet Follow @omomani

No time for England in Rio's busy schedule

 

Rio Ferdinand turned down Roy Hodgson's call-up to the England squad because it interferes with his "intricate pre-planned programme" of fitness, put in place to prolong the 34-year-old's Old Trafford career.

The Manchester United defender himself was snubbed by the England manager in his squad selection for Euro 2012 because of "footballing reasons". His displays so far this season, though, have prompted the former West Brom boss to have a change of heart.

One minute he was in the squad, and the next he was out. The debacle once again highlights a lack of communication from Roy Hodgson with his players. The only winners out of this embarassing turn of events are Manchester United, and perhaps Rio's travel agent. 

Tweet Follow @omomani

Villas-Boas at a loss as wheels come off Spurs bandwagon

 

It couldn't happen again, could it? Tottenham's bid for a Champions League place is threatening to unravel for a second successive season after the club slipped to a 1-0 defeat against Fulham on Sunday.

Alarm bells may be starting to ring for Tottenham fans who, under Harry Redknapp last year, saw their side secure just six points from a possible 27 between February 25 and April 21 and squander their hopes of sealing qualification for the Champions League.

It is now back-to-back losses for Andre Villas-Boas, a record which the 35-year-old has not experienced since November, and with Arsenal, Chelsea and Everton all winning over the weekend, Spurs need to pick up their form in order to avoid a repeat of last season. 
Tweet Follow @omomani

How does each generation see Birthdays

Tweet Follow @omomani

Man City sink without trace as United sail clear in title race

Everton's fine 2-0 win over the Premier League champions at Goodison Park yesterday has left Roberto Mancini & Co. up the proverbial creek without a paddle, with Sir Alex Ferguson's side now 15 points clear of their rivals with just nine games to go after a nervy 1-0 win over Reading at Old Trafford.

There's no doubting City have missed the calming presence of talismanic captain Vincent Kompany at the back of late, while the Red Devils have been able to call on Wayne Rooney and Robin van Persie to deliver the goods as Mario Balotelli rocketed off to Milan and Mancini's other forwards decided they didn't really fancy playing football this season.

And all the while there's poor David Platt - if Mancini isn't wearing comedy masks of his face to press conferences, then he's stuck bailing out the sinking ship. Poor David. 
Tweet Follow @omomani

My interview with "Pobjeda"

 

I had the chance to be interviewed with the Montenegrin magazine "Pobjeda", see link also: http://www.pobjeda.me/2013/03/16/omar-momani-karikaturista-portala-goal-com-za-arenu-govori-o-svom-poslu-karijeri-uzorima/

I would like to thank my friend Milutin Micko Vukovic who interviewed me and wish all the best and love to the sweet people of Montenegro.

Tweet Follow @omomani

Fanny Neguesha caricature

Tweet Follow @omomani

Champions League elite prepare for quarter-final battle

Friday's Champions League quarter-final draw served up four intriguing clashes as Europe's elite continue their hunt for a place at Wembley in May.

Barcelona have been paired with Paris Saint-Germain, which will see Zlatan Ibrahimovic face his former club, although the Swede is suspended for the first leg.

Last season's beaten finalists Bayern Munich face a tricky tie against Serie A champions and current leaders Juventus.

Jose Mourinho will be reunited with two of his former players in Didier Drogba and Wesley Sneijder as Real Madrid take on Galatasaray.

While in the final tie of the round, Malaga will be in action against German champions Borussia Dortmund. 
Tweet Follow @omomani

Tottenham tumble over San Siro finish line

They made tough work of it, but Tottenham stumbled over the Europa League last-16 finishing line after sneaking an away goal past Inter in extra time on Thursday evening.

Andrea Stramaccioni's side had battled back from a 3-0 first-leg defeat to even the aggregate score at San Siro and take the tie to extra time. But Emmanuel Adebayor had the final say as his goal fired Spurs through to a quarter-final clash Swiss side FC Basel. 
Tweet Follow @omomani

كاريكاتيرات كرة قدم عربية

بامكانك الان متابعة كاريكاتيراتي الرياضية عن الدوريات العربية التالية ( السعودي, الاماراتي و العراقي) من خلال هذا الرابط:
http://omarmomaniarabic.blogspot.com/

Tweet Follow @omomani

Premier League stars miss the boat as Messi, Muller et al sail on

Following the exits of Manchester United and Arsenal at the last-16 stage, the Champions League will be without an English club in the quarter-finals for the first time since 1996.

Chelsea and Manchester City both failed to navigate past the group stage, while Sir Alex Ferguson's men were dumped out of the competition in controversial circumstances by Real Madrid, and Arsenal failed to overturn their first-leg deficit against Bayern Munich in Germany on Wednesday evening.

Will the Premier League be able to bounce back next season? 
Tweet Follow @omomani

Ad Shehi Caricature

 

  Ad from Albania won my free caricature prize on my page on facebook, after he was the first guy who guessed my question on the page.

Congratulations to Ad and you can be the winner next time, just follow me on my page to win the weekly question.

Here is the link of the page:Facebook.com/Omar.Momani.Cartoons

And if you want a paid caricature you can click below and follow the instructions:

Omar Momani draws you a caricature

Tweet Follow @omomani

Messi leads Barca's Great Escape against Milan

 

There was only ever likely to be one man who would inspire Barcelona's revival against AC Milan on Tuesday evening and Lionel Messi didn't disappoint.

The Argentine ace's superb double ensured Tito Vilanova's side went into the break with a clean slate following the Spanish side's first-leg defeat in Italy, while second-half goals from David Villa and Jordi Alba ensured Barcelona were in draw for the Champions League quarter-finals. 
Tweet Follow @omomani

GIF: Wenger's Run

Tweet Follow @omomani

David Bowie Caricature tribue to The Next Day

 

I don't play music, but but I adore it very much, so don't blame my review here.
Recently began to hear new album David Bowie "The Next Day", and really liked the album where he reminded me of his late seventies albums with producer Tony Visconti whom produced this album.I recommend you to listen to "The Next Day", "Valentine's Day" which gave me a reminisce of the beat era in the early 50s, "Dancing Out In Space", "(You Will) Set the World On Fire", "You Feel So Lonely You Could Die" which is a very Ziggyuetique song and the single "The Stars (Are Out Tonight)", which all have unique guitar riffs.

The album satisfies all Bowie's fans, from the Ziggy era to The Thin White Duke and The Berlin Era, even his 80s songs.

Tweet Follow @omomani

Barcelona turn to Messi to drag them out of a Champions League hole

 

Barcelona will require a stellar performance on Tuesday evening as they head into their Champions League clash with AC Milan on the back foot after a humbling at San Siro.

Lionel Messi endured a frustrating evening in the first leg against Massimiliano Allegri's side as Barcelona slipped to a 2-0 defeat following goals from Kevin-Prince Boateng and Sulley Muntari.

Will the Argentine maestro be able to shine at Camp Nou and inspire his side to the Champions League quarter-finals? 
Tweet Follow @omomani

Beckham top of the pile in Goal Rich List

 

The Goal Rich List for 2013 has been published, with few surprises regarding who sits at the top of the pile.

David Beckham tops the list with a staggering net worth of £175 million, beating off competition from Lionel Messi [£115.5m] and Cristiano Ronaldo [£112m].

No wonder the midfielder can afford to give up his Paris Saint-Germain salary to charity, and waive image rights and all other club income for the entirety of his five-month stay with the club. 

Tweet Follow @omomani

Barca look to seduce Bale away from Tottenham

 

A saga that shows no sign of letting up anytime soon is the attempts from across Europe to lure Gareth Bale away from Tottenham this summer.

The Welshman is fast becoming the hottest property the Premier League has to offer, and while Real Madrid have been most closely linked in recent months, Liga rivals Barcelona have stepped up their charm offensive in the past few days.

Centre-back Gerard Pique hailed the the 23-year-old as an "unbelievable player", while also insisting the Blaugrana want to have "all the best players in our team", but will Bale's head be turned by the overtures from Catalonia? 
Tweet Follow @omomani

Coaching Chelsea not so easy for Benitez

 

Struggling for consistency and on the brink of an exit from the Europa League in the last 16, things have not gone smoothly for Rafa Benitez at Chelsea so far.

The Spaniard has received little sympathy from former Blues boss Avram Grant, however, who this week stated managing at Stamford Bridge is "easy."

“I don’t think Rafa Benitez will be replaced any time soon,” Grant said. But, let me tell you something, coaching at Chelsea is very easy.

“It’s way easier than coaching West Ham, for instance, because you have a very big budget and top players to choose from. All you have to do is go after the win.”

Tweet Follow @omomani

Allegri shocks Barcelona

Tweet Follow @omomani

Taxi for Inter! Bale & Spurs march on in Europe

 

Fans of Inter must be sick of the sight of Gareth Bale.

The Tottenham star was on target against the Serie A side again in a 3-0 win on Thursday night, almost two-and-a-half years after announcing himself on the European stage with a hat-trick at San Siro.

It was a case of 'Taxi for Maicon' during 2010-11 season, but this time the entire Inter side were powerless to stop Bale and Spurs, who put one foot firmly in the Europa League quarter-finals. 
Tweet Follow @omomani

Grigoriy Vasilenko' GF Caricature

 

If you are interested to be caricatured, please click on the link below:

 Omar Draws you a Caricature

Tweet Follow @omomani

a Tribute cartoon to my fans in Russia

 

My page in VK.com has reached more than 30,000 followers, so that's my tribute to them.

To visit the page please click here: vk.com/momani

Tweet Follow @omomani

Rooney headed for Old Trafford trapdoor

 

The writing appears to be on the wall for Wayne Rooney at Manchester United.

Reports emerged on Thursday suggesting the striker will be shown the Old Trafford trapdoor by Sir Alex Ferguson in the summer, after the Scot dropped the 27-year-old for the Champions League clash with Real Madrid.

Rooney is reportedly reluctant to leave, though his fashion-conscious wife Coleen may well be pleased with links to Paris Saint-Germain.

United, meanwhile, have reportedly turned their attention to Borussia Dortmund striker Robert Lewandowski. 
Tweet Follow @omomani

Fergie fumes as Mourinho campaigns for Man United job

 

Manchester United exited the Champions League at the hands of Real Madrid on Tuesday night, with a controversial Nani red card proving decisive in the 2-1 loss, and leaving Sir Alex Ferguson furious.

The United boss was "too distraught" to speak to the press after the game, according to his assistant manager Mike Phelan.

Meanwhile, Jose Mourinho - who is considered a potential successor to Sir Alex - was lavishing plenty of praise on the opposition.

"I know they [United] are giants, not just physically, but mentally," he said. "11 vs 11, I doubt that we could win the match." 

Tweet Follow @omomani

Ronaldo back on familiar ground for Man Utd - Madrid decider

 

Manchester United's decisive Champions League clash with Real Madrid sees a familiar face return to Old Trafford on Tuesday night.

Cristiano Ronaldo returns to the club where he spent six years, won his first Champions League trophy and numerous other honours.

The Portuguese superstar will have to make sure he remembers to go to the away team dressing room upon arrival back at his old stomping ground. 

Tweet Follow @omomani

Changing of the guard: Spurs revel in north London derby glory

 

Tottenham extended their lead over rivals Arsenal to seven points by securing a 2-1 victory in a pulsating north London derby on Sunday afternoon that many believe represented a shift in the balance of power between the two clubs.

Gareth Bale and Aaron Lennon ensured that Per Mertesacker's goal proved only a consolation for the Gunners, who have already suffered disappointing defeats in the FA Cup and Capital One Cup, with a Champions League exit in the coming weeks likely.

Spurs rose back above Chelsea into third place and took another step under Andre Villas-Boas towards changing the guard in the north of the capital as they seek to return to Europe's top competition. 

Tweet Follow @omomani

Valdes sees red as Mourinho and Ronaldo keep their Clasico cool

 

It's not been going well for Barcelona of late; they're sailing away with the Spanish title but have hit a rocky patch with a Champions League defeat to AC Milan, a Copa del Rey loss to Real Madrid and a La Liga defeat to los Blancos on Saturday afternoon, leading to pundits declaring the untimely death of The Greatest Team In History.

It all got a bit too much for goalkeeper Victor Valdes, who was sent off by referee Miguel Angel Perez Lasa after repeatedly shouting "You have no shame!" in the official's face for failing to award a late penalty to Barca.

The futures of Jose Mourinho and Cristiano Ronaldo may be a little uncertain but everything's coming up roses for the Portuguese duo at the moment - now it's just the small matter of beating Manchester United in the Champions League on Tuesday and reeling in Barca's 13-point lead to attend to... 

Tweet Follow @omomani

AVB battles to fend off Barca & Real interest in Bale

 

Gareth Bale's superb Premier League form may be a dream for Andre Villas-Boas this season as Tottenham battle to earn a Champions League spot, but come the summer, the Welshman could be his biggest headache.

La Liga giants Barcelona and Real Madrid have long been credited with interest in the 23-year-old, and his return of 10 goals since the start of 2013 will have only strengthened their resolve to sign the attacker.

Yet Villas-Boas has moved to persuade Bale not only to reject a switch to either of the Spanish sides, but also a move away from the Premier League, insisting the English top-flight is the best place for him to fulfill his potential...
 

Tweet Follow @omomani

Mohammed El Korek Caricature

 

Mohammed from Lebanon won my free caricature prize on my page on facebook, after he was the first guy who guessed my question on the page.

Congratulations to Mohammed and you can be the winner next time, just follow me on my page to win the weekly question.

Here is the link of the page:Facebook.com/Omar.Momani.Cartoons

And if you want a paid caricature you can click below and follow the instructions:

Omar Momani draws you a caricature

Tweet Follow @omomani

Wenger's new Plan B as Bergkamp goes back to Arsenal

 

When Arsenal fans see Gervinho miss yet another sitter from all of six-yards out, oh how they must long to be back in the days of Dennis Bergkamp pirouetting around Newcastle's Nikos Dabizas to score one of the most beautiful goals of all time.

Well, with a little bit of architectural initiative, Gunners boss Arsene Wenger is rolling back the years to give the club's search for a long-awaited trophy an extra push.

Plans are in motion to immortalise the masterful Dutchman with a statue placed outside the Emirates, although many fans would perhaps still rather have the 43-year-old on the pitch... 

Tweet Follow @omomani